AJ Finley "meshing" with new faces, seeing continued growth with Ole Miss defense
There are plenty of new faces out on the practice field this spring for the Ole Miss football team, but AJ Finley is not having a difficult time adjusting.
In fact, Finley already has a good rapport with most of the new transfers and mid-year enrollees that are roaming the defensive side of the ball.
“I’ve honestly gotten to know a lot of the new guys, so it hasn’t really been that much of a problem or anything,” Finley said. “It’s good to see new guys. I mean we’ve all meshed well so it’s going good.”
With the additions of cornerback David Igbinosun, linebacker Troy Brown, lineman JJ Pegues, safety Ladarius Tennison have all made quick impacts during winter workouts and the first week or so of spring practices.
Getting the new guys mixed in along with returning starters such as Finley now will make the summer and fall camp go smoother as the defense looks to try and replace the production that left with Sam Williams, Chance Campbell, Jaylon Jones and Jake Springer.
Another positive aspect of that is the development of depth, something the defense could use more of.
“I feel like we’re going to have a deep rotation at corner this year,” Finley said. “We got guys who didn’t play last year. Demarko Williams is going to play a lot this year, (Deantre) Prince. Davidson might get into the rotation this year too
“It’s good to have a little bit of depth. If we need a breather we can take a few plays off and come back in, but (depth) certainly has grown since I’ve been here.”
Last season, Finley had his best year of his career. In 13 games he recorded 90 tackles and tied his career best of three interceptions in a season.
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Finley was part of a renaissance season for the Rebels defense last year. From the midway point on the defense became more a support than hindrance.
With the new faces that are coming in with experience the chance to continue that momentum is there as well as continue that growth forward for 2022.
“One of the biggest things I feel like is not taking a step back,” Finley said. “Just to make more progress than we did last year. We ended that year off pretty good. I feel like if we just take more steps in the right direction we’re going to be a pretty good defense.”
Finley also had the opportunity to leave and go test the NFL waters in the draft this year but opted to not forgo his final season and wrap up his college career.
“It wasn’t that difficult, honestly,” Finley said of his decision to return. “It just made more sense for me to come back and get another year.”
